01 EU-US Relations in 3D: Perspectives on Defence, Diplomacy and Development

European Forum Alpbach in cooperation with the Embassy of the United States of America in Vienna
While the US earlier used to be referred to as a “hard” power, resorting to military or economic means, the EU was said to be a “soft” or value-based international actor. Does this differentiation still hold true today? What are the underlying values of the EU’s and US’ policies in relation to diplomacy, defence and development? How do they translate their strategies on the ground and are there any examples of strategic cooperation?

Ambassador ret.; President, Austrian UNESCO Commission, Vienna

Student of history and German philology and literature at the University of Vienna, 1968 Promotion to Doctor of Philosophy (major in modern European history)

1969-1973

Assistant Professor at the University of Vienna

1973

Entry into the Austrian Foreign Service

1975-1978

Minister Counselor at the Permanent Mission of Austria to the United Nations, New York

1983-1992

Foreign Policy Advisor to the Austrian Federal Chancellor

1992-1999

Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to France

1997-1999

Ambassador of the Republic of Austria at the Court of St. James

1999-2003

Director General for European Integration and Economic Affairs in the Austrian Ministry for Foreign Affairs

2003-2008

Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to the United States of America, Permanent Observer of the Republic of Austria to the Organization of American States (OAS), Non-resident Ambassador of the Republic of Austria to the Commonwealth of the Bahamas